An England football star’s court case has been discontinued.
Former Birmingham City player Jude Bellingham was charged with driving while using his mobile phone and with failing to give information relating to the identification of the driver.
However, the case has now been discontinued due to a lack of evidence.
It was alleged that the Borussia Dortmund midfielder, who is registered to an address in Bromsgrove, had been tapping on his phone screen and studying Whatsapp while driving a Mercedes A180.
The alleged offence occurred on March 1 of this year on Augustus Road in Birmingham.
He was subsequently charged with failing to give information to relating to the identification of a driver when asked by West Midlands Police.
In August, the driving charge was dismissed as no evidence had been provided.
Then, on October 31, Bellingham appeared at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court where the second charge was discontinued.
It is understood that the defendant’s costs, including an as-yet unspecified amount in respect of legal costs, will be paid from central funds.
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On Monday, November 21, Bellingham played a starring role as the Three Lions got their World Cup campaign off to a flying start with a 6-2 win over Iran.
The 19-year-old opened the scoring in the 35th minute before goals from Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish saw Gareth Southgate's side claim all three points.
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